A knowledge based structure for implementing Value Management in the design of office buildings

Shen, Q

Abstract

Value Management (VM) is an organised effort directed at analyzing the functions
of systems, supplies, equipments and facilities, for the purpose of achieving the
required functions at lowest overall cost, consistent with requirements for performance,
including reliability, delivery, maintainability and human factors. This
structured method can also be successfully used to define the scope of a project. In
the UK, the awareness of the tremendous potential and benefits of applying VM to
construction projects has made some clients eager to apply this technique to their
projects. There are, however, a number of problems which inhibit the use of this
advanced technique in the construction industry. Qualified VM specialists, for
instance, are very scarce within the industry, it is often difficult to find them to
undertake proper VM studies. This research therefore aimed at exploring the
feasibility of building a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) to facilitate VM implementations
in the design stages of a construction project. A demonstration system has been
successfully developed to illustrate the facilities which would be available to potential
users in a fully developed system. A method of allocating project cost against
functions of the project specified by the clients has been developed, which could
expedite the processes of clarifying clients' brief and ensuring good value for money
by cutting unnecessary costs and enhancing required functions. The research has also
explored how KBSs can be effectively applied to "open-ended" decision-making
problems in which new options may be generated during each session with the
system, i.e. the study considered the possibility of letting users extend and customise
the knowledge base. The system has been described as a "satisfactory and very
promising system" by the UK industrial specialists.

Citation

Shen, Q. A knowledge based structure for implementing Value Management in the design of office buildings. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 23, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 23, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1993